Argentina’s national team will have to face two of their toughest World Cup qualifiers without their captain and talisman, Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami star has confirmed he will miss the upcoming clashes against Uruguay and Brazil due to a minor injury, leaving fans and teammates disappointed.
Messi himself admitted his frustration, saying:
“I’m sad to miss these important games against Uruguay and Brazil. I really wanted to play, but a small injury means I need to rest for a bit, so I can’t be there.”
Despite his absence on the pitch, Messi reassured supporters that he would be cheering on the team from afar, adding:
“I’ll be supporting and cheering from here like any other fan. Let’s go, Argentina.”
How Big of a Blow Is This for Argentina?
Argentina has been in fantastic form since winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but missing Messi for these two games is undoubtedly a major setback.
- Uruguay, led by former Leeds United coach Marcelo Bielsa, has been a resurgent force in South American football. They will be eager to test Argentina’s depth and defensive solidity without Messi pulling the strings in attack.
- Brazil, Argentina’s fiercest rivals, will be looking to bounce back after a string of underwhelming performances in qualifiers. The absence of Messi could give Brazil an edge when the two teams clash at the Maracanã.
Who Will Step Up in Messi’s Absence?
With Messi sidelined, coach Lionel Scaloni will have to rely on other attacking stars to fill the void. Here are the key players expected to step up:
- Julián Álvarez (Atletico Madrid) – The young striker has been in top form in la liga, and his work rate and goal-scoring ability make him a natural choice to lead the attack.
- Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan) – A prolific forward, Martínez has the experience and leadership to take on a bigger role.
- Ángel Di María (Benfica) – The veteran winger has always delivered in big moments for Argentina and could take on the playmaking responsibilities in Messi’s absence.
Should Fans Be Worried?
Argentina has proven in the past that they can win without Messi, but there’s no denying his impact on the team. His vision, creativity, and leadership will be missed, especially in high-stakes games like these.
However, Scaloni’s squad is deep and well-balanced, and this will be an opportunity for younger players to prove themselves on the international stage.
When Will Messi Return?
The good news is that Messi’s injury is not serious. The decision to rest him seems to be more about precaution than a long-term concern. With Inter Miami’s new MLS season approaching, Messi will be looking to return to full fitness soon.
For now, Argentina’s fate in these qualifiers will be decided without their captain, and fans will be hoping the team can maintain its winning momentum.
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